Be a Safe Driver; 33 Be a Safe Driver; Be a Safe Driver 34- Page 18

Be a Safe Driver

33  Be a Safe Driver

MAKE SURE YOU ARE READY TO DRIVE

• Do not use this truck unless you are trained and 

certified.

• Be certain you understand how your truck works and 

the hazards that go with it.  Don't drive the truck if 

you have any doubts.

• Know the capacity of your truck (Load Weight, Load 

Center and Lift Height).  Make certain you use the 

correct units of measure.

• Some trucks are not allowed in areas where there are 

fire hazards.  Be certain your truck is the correct fire 

safety type for the area.

• Make sure your hands and shoes are clean and dry, 

and your clothing is proper for the job.

MAKE SURE YOUR TRUCK IS READY

• Inspect your truck before using it (see pages 31 and 

32). If it's not working right, or something is broken, 

report the problem to your supervisor. Don't use the  

truck.

• In an open area, test the brakes and plugging. Check  

at a slow travel speed first, then a faster one. Know 

the distance it takes to stop before you start work.

Be a Safe Driver   34

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DRIVE CAUTIOUSLY,   BE ALERT

• Never stick a foot or any part of your body outside the 

operator area, no matter how slow the truck is 

moving. You cannot stop 3680 kg 

(8000 pounds)

 with 

any part of your body. A foot or hand caught between 

the truck and a fixed object will be crushed or even 

cut off.

• Stand sideways with your back against the pad.  

Keep your hands on the controls and your feet on the 

pedals/pad.

• Travel in the direction that gives you the best 

view. Look where you are going and slow down in 

congested areas.

• Slow down for wet or slippery floors. Don't run over 

things.

• Travel with the forks close to the ground, retracted 

and tilted up. Place the load against the load backrest 

(vertical face of the forks).

• Look where you are going before you change direction 

of travel.

• See that you have room to drive and turn. Always 

check for overhead objects. Watch out for power unit 

swing.

• Slow down when making turns.
• Avoid sudden movement of controls. Learn to use 

them smoothly at a moderate, even rate.

• Check clearances before raising or lowering the forks 

or load.

• Be extra careful if you must use your truck in an area 

where there is a risk of falling objects.